Events & Tours UPDATED

2009 Scheduled programs are being developed! Check back soon! below are last years events!Many will be returning!

Friday, April 25
7:00—9:30 p.m.– Wine & Star Shine!

A chance to share in the joy of accomplishment for volunteers and participants alike. Z Tejas Executive Chef, Jack Gilmore will delight you with food pairings to complement Flat Creek Estate award winning wines. Jeffery Phillips will provide tales and lights of the sky at dusk. This event starts at the winery.

Saturday, April 26
7:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. - Warbler & Vireo Habitat with Chuck Sexton or Roxie Rochat (NT1)

This is a birding tour for determined birders to see our keynote species. Bird watching with experts. Multiple tours will go to separate destinations to look for Warblers and Vireos each morning. Easy to moderate hiking. Participants will be picked up at the Refuge Headquarters and be transported to trail heads by vans.

8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. – Explore Hill Country Birding with Byron Stone and Joe Beach (NT2)

Join top Texas birders to look for some of the special Hill Country birds that nest on the Refuge. Multiple tours will go to separate destinations to look for Painted Bunting, Canyon Wren, Canyon Towhee, Vermilion Flycatcher, Black-throated Sparrow, and Grasshopper Sparrow possibilities to name a few. Easy to moderate hiking at several destination spots on the refuge. Participants will be picked up at the Refuge Headquarters and be transported to trail heads by vans.

1:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m. – Golden-cheeked Warbler Habitat with John Kelly (NT3)

This is a birding tour for determined birders to see our keynote species. Bird watching with experts. Easy to moderate hiking. Participants will be picked up at the Refuge Headquarters and be transported to trail heads by vans.

1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. – Exploring the Backcountry with Jean & Seay Nance (NT4)

The only thing we'll pay attention to is "everything under the Sun". Be ready for a wide-ranging introduction to the ecology of the Texas Hill Country from two of Central Texas's most experienced naturalists. Learn your geology, watch for weather's influences on habitats, and bet on bumping into some birds and botanical treasures. Moderately Difficult hiking in the back country of an area of the Refuge not usually open to the public. Wear ankle supported, waterproof shoes as uneven footpaths and stream crossings may be encountered. Participants will be picked up at the Refuge Headquarters and be transported to trail heads by vans.

Sunday, April 27
7:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. – Warbler & Vireo Habitat with John Kelly (NT5)

This is a birding tour for determined birders to see our keynote species. Bird watching with experts. Easy to moderate hiking. Participants will be picked up at the Refuge Headquarters and be transported to trail heads by vans.

7:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. – Creeks to Canyons with Chuck Sexton (NT6)

Led by the Refuge's biologist, this trip will explore the natural history of the Hill Country--the wildlife, vegetation, and geology of the area. We'll learn about the
canyons of the Balcones Canyonlands, study the creeks which run through the area, and explore the woodlands, savannahs, and shinneries which make up the Refuge. Participants will be picked up at the Refuge Headquarters and be transported to trail heads by vans.

8:30 a.m.—11:00 a.m. – A Walk on the Fire Line with Carl Schwope (NT7)

See how fire is used as a dramatic tool to create and enhance habitat for songbirds. The tour will take you through previously burned areas, both recent and past, to show how fire effects the landscape. Learn about grassland and ecosystem restoration. The tour will start with a slide show of before and after photos of areas that will be visited. Participants will be picked up at the Refuge Headquarters and be transported to trail heads by vans.

8:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. – Exploring the Backcountry with Jean & Seay Nance (NT8)

The only thing we'll pay attention to is "everything under the Sun". Be ready for a wide-ranging introduction to the ecology of the Texas Hill Country from two of Central Texas's most experienced naturalists. Learn your geology, watch for weather's influences on habitats, and bet on bumping into some birds and botanical treasures. Moderately Difficult hiking in the back country of an area of the Refuge not usually open to the public. Wear ankle supported, waterproof shoes as uneven footpaths and stream crossings may be encountered. Participants will be picked up at the Refuge Headquarters and be transported to trail heads by vans.

9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. - Nature Photography Workshop with Karen Kilfeather (NT9)

Karen will emphasize basic outdoor photography in this workshop. Film or digital cameras are welcome. Karen will cover composition, lighting, depth of field, and some basic field tips for bird and nature photography. The use of settings for greater control of your images will be covered. All cameras are different, so be sure to bring your camera manual with you to class! Participants will meet at Doeskin Ranch.

11:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. - Take a tour of Bamberger Ranch (NT10)

Join Shelia Hargis and Laurie Foss as they lead a convoy of self-driving participants from the Refuge Headquarters to Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve. This drive-to tour takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get there. A box lunch is provided on a stop at LBJ National Historical Site along the way. On this 3 1/2-4 hour tour of the ranch you will see the results of 37 years of habitat restoration. We will show you projects which demonstrate principles of good stewardship. You may also see dinosaur tracks, fossil beds, a herd of endangered Scimitar-horned Oryx, the "Chiroptorium" which is a man made bat cave designed to hold a million Mexican Free-tailed bats. You'll walk the nature trail and then enjoy Madrone Lake as you watch "The Rain Machine". Transportation is on the Bluebonnet, an open air trailer with a shade bonnet, so dress for the weather; and don't forget a hat!

1:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m. – Habitat of the Black-capped Vireo with John Kelly or Kelly McDowell (NT11)

This is a birding tour for determined birders to see our keynote species. Bird watching with experts. Multiple tours will go to separate destinations to look for Warblers and Vireos each morning. Easy to moderate hiking. Participants will be picked up at the Refuge Headquarters and be transported to trail heads by vans.

3:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. - Backyard Birding with Gary Waggerman (NT12)

An introduction to the tools required for birding and a short walk to learn the common backyard bird sights and sounds. This nature Tour leaves on foot from the Refuge headquarters.

Monday, April 28
8:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. - Warbler & Vireo Habitat with Chuck Sexton or John Kelly (NT13)

This is a birding tour for determined birders to see our keynote species. Bird watching with experts. Multiple tours will go to separate destinations to look for Warblers and Vireos each morning. Easy to moderate hiking. Carpooling will be necessary from the Refuge Headquarters.

Free Family Events

Sunday, April 27, 2008
12:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.
No tours fees for these fun filled events!
These events take place at the Refuge Headquarters

1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m. - Kid's Activity Stations
**Build a birdhouse (materials cost), create animal track rubbings, tin can wildflower pots, coffee ground fossils, ladybug rocks, a sundial, Nature in Stained Glass, and MUCH MORE!

2 shows! - Last Chance Forever Raptor Show
12:00 p.m.—12:45 p.m
2:00 p.m.—2:45 p.m

Last Chance Forever is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned raptors, birds of prey such as hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, and vultures. Since its incorporation in 1978, L.C.F. has been responsible for treating thousands of birds of prey, including endangered species. Generally up to 80% of those cases received are released back to their natural home, the wild!

1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. - Spider Hunt with Joe Lapp

Spider enthusiast and nature educator Joe Lapp ("Spider
Joe") takes you on a spider hunt, introducing you to spiders and sharing
amazing facts about the spiders we encounter. Are all spiders
dangerous? Are any friendly? Can spiders get stuck in their own webs? Which
jump like monkeys and which walk like crabs? Come find out! Adults
and children are welcome.

1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. - Snakes Alive!
Visit the snakes and reptile exhibit!

3:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. - It's a Pond's Life with Elizabeth Wells
Join Liz at the pond for some fun identifying water bugs and learn how the water tells a story of our ecology.

** $5.00 material fee required. Materials are limited and first come first serve!